Air Fryer Sausage Balls (Freezer-Friendly Favorite!)


If there’s one recipe that’s always in my freezer, it’s these air fryer sausage balls. With just five simple ingredients, they’re ridiculously easy to make, and they turn out so flavorful and hearty.

These little breakfast (or lunch, or dinner!) morsels are perfect for busy mornings, snack attacks, or even as a side dish. I love grabbing a few straight from the freezer, popping them in the microwave, and in less than a minute I’ve got a hot, satisfying bite.

What makes them extra special is the blend of spicy sausage and Italian sausage. That combination gives just the right kick and depth of flavor—rich, savory, and slightly zesty all at once.

And the best part? This recipe makes a big batch. so I’ve got plenty to tuck away for later. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be glad you made extras.




2 lb italian sausage (or you can do half with spicy pork breakfast sausage)
1 C shredded pepper jack cheese (adds a nice kick), cheddar cheese, swiss or any cheese you want
2 oz cream cheese, softened (mic for 15 seconds)
1 large egg (I used to put in 2 eggs but find it too wet)
diced red or white onion - or both - really adds something special!

Mix all ingredients
Form into 32 x 1 " balls
Place the balls in the air fryer in batches cook 400F for 12 minutes. I prefer the air fryer as they come our with a nicer texture but you can cook them in the oven on parchment paper covered cookie trays at 400F in a regular or convection oven for 15 to 20 minutes. 
Sausage balls will be browned outside and have internal temp of at least 145F
Serve warm or freeze in a ziplock bag
Pull out a couple balls from the freezer and microwave 1 minute  or till hot for a quick breakfast. If cooked in the oven, I find they are best reheated in the air fryer to crisp them up

5 comments:

  1. I love that these don't have almond or coconut flour in them! All the other sausage cheese balls that I've made always came out very dry in texture due to the flour ingredient. I'm excited to make these. Thanks for sharing Ü

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    1. I hope you like them as much as I do Tracy. Always have a batch in the freezer and they are still moist when I reheat them. xoxo

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  2. Do you precook the sausage or the air fryer cooks it? Sorry I'm not clear on that bit of the instructions.

    Our favorite breakfast casserole is easy. I wonder if it's the one you tried?
    1 tube of refrigerated Pillsbury Grands biscuits -cut each biscuit round into 4 pieces. The Croissants are good too!
    4-5 links of breakfast sausage- mild or spicy you pick. Take the sausage out of the casing and break it up into small pieces. Brown the sausage in skillet breaking it up so the pieces are small and crumbly. Discard any fat and grease.
    *When I'm lazy I buy Jimmy Deans heat and serve links and chop those up.
    8 eggs- beaten add salt and pepper to taste
    1 cup or more to taste of Mexican Blend shredded cheese
    *optional add ins- chopped green chilis, salsa, black beans.

    Pre heat oven to 350 degrees F
    Spray the bottom and sides of a 9x13 inch baking dish with non stick spray, or butter the dish to prevent sticking.
    Lay out the cut up biscuits so they cover the bottom of the baking dish as best as possible.
    Spread the browned sausage over the biscuits.
    Pour the beaten eggs over the biscuits and sausage.
    Top with the shredded cheese.

    Bake for 30 minutes or until the eggs are completely cooked through. Test the center with a knife inserted into it. It should come out clean when completely cooked.

    Cool for a couple of minutes then cut into 8-12 pieces.

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    1. No, I don't precook the sausage - it cooks in the air fryer in the 'balls'. Your recipe sounds amazing - thank you for sharing.

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    2. No, do not precook the sausage. I made that mistake once thinking surely someone had forgotten to include that step in the recipe and YUCK! Lol

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